Netanyahu to Address UN General Assembly Despite New York Mayor's Arrest Call

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to make a brief 24-hour visit to New York later this month to address the United Nations General Assembly, a trip Israel's UN envoy says is unavoidable despite political tensions in the host city.

Ambassador Danny Danon confirmed the schedule on Tuesday, stating Netanyahu will arrive late on September 23, deliver his address on the afternoon of September 24, and depart for Israel that same night. The visit comes after New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly referred to the Prime Minister as a "war criminal" and urged his arrest.

Danon dismissed the Mayor's remarks as political posturing, noting that New York City lacks the legal authority to detain Netanyahu. The Mayor's call was subsequently withdrawn on jurisdictional grounds. "It became very trendy to do politics by blaming Israel," Danon remarked, adding that the Prime Minister's presence at the global forum remains a priority.

The controversy stems from an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in November 2024. The warrant alleges that Netanyahu used starvation as a method of warfare by restricting humanitarian aid and intentionally targeting civilians during the conflict with Hamas. Both Israel and the United States reject the court's jurisdiction, and Washington has imposed sanctions on ICC officials.

Danon acknowledged that Netanyahu's appearance is likely to draw protests, particularly after last year's mass walkout during his address. He anticipates a similar "show" this year but expressed confidence in the Prime Minister's ability to deliver his speech. The ambassador also noted the timing overlaps with Jewish holidays and Israel's ongoing election campaign, adding to the charged atmosphere surrounding the visit.